meat-and-potatoes 1 of 2

adjective

ˈmēt-ən(d)-pə-ˈtā-(ˌ)tōz How to pronounce meat-and-potatoes (audio)
Definition of meat-and-potatoesnext
as in basic
of or relating to the simplest facts or theories of a subject a meat-and-potatoes knowledge of figure skating is all that a spectator really needs

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

meat and potatoes

2 of 2

plural noun

as in root
the central part or aspect of something under consideration an article that never gets into the meat and potatoes of a solution to the city's rising crime rate

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of meat-and-potatoes
Adjective
For a front office that routinely overthinks the room, this is dangerously close to a competent, meat-and-potatoes haul. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026 When working in that vein, Barnett’s journeys through self-doubt are well-matched with the stomping, meat-and-potatoes indie-rock production that Burke Reid and Dan Luscombe brought to her first two albums. — Ethan Beck, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
Plural noun
Viewed as a playmaker in the middle of the park, Boudri is expected to add flair and creativity to a midfield group that was more meat and potatoes in 2025. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026 While the meat and potatoes of this outfit—a baggy T-shirt and button-down with khakis—are total dad staples, the mix feels cool and purposeful. — Alison Syrett Cleary, InStyle, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for meat-and-potatoes
Recent Examples of Synonyms for meat-and-potatoes
  1. basic
  2. elementary
  3. introductory
  4. rudimentary
  5. fundamental
Adjective
  • However, measures in place to limit the spread, such as regular handwashing and social distancing, are not followed at the artisanal mining sites, where work to extract gold is done by workers using basic hand tools like shovels and pans.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Engineers could then make decisions using intelligence that looks credible but fails basic technical checks.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of basic
Adjective
  • At Venetian Parc Academy, elementary students were starting the year in classrooms without individual desks, working in groups and using artificial intelligence as part of their daily lessons.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2026
  • According to the district, only 83% of elementary seats and 79% of middle school seats were filled during the 2024 to 2025 school year.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of elementary
Adjective
  • Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the introductory rate, and a balance transfer fee of 5%, minimum $5, applies.
    — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The first wave of customers will have access to the lowest introductory pricing through a limited Early Bird promotion.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of introductory
Adjective
  • The panels were expensive and rudimentary by today’s standards.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Measuring token use provides a rudimentary way to assess AI adoption, but connecting consumption to value can be more challenging.
    — Tim Keary, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of rudimentary
Adjective
  • Some of those fundamental points outlined in that piece will be used here to get you up to speed on the weighty topic.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Known as Eurasianism, this conviction in the fundamental difference between Russia and the West at least partly underpins the Kremlin’s ruling ideology today.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fundamental

Browse Nearby Words

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meat-and-potatoes
meat and potatoes
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Cite this Entry

“Meat-and-potatoes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/meat-and-potatoes. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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